RI Philharmonic winds up season in style

Posted
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 1:00 pm

Don Fowler

If you missed the final Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Concert of the season, you missed one of the top musical events ever to grace the PPAC stage.

Jazz trumpeter Chris Botti was sensational, as he joined resident conductor Francisco Noya and a group of top musicians who are currently touring the world with a varied and accomplished musical program that has drawn praise from critics and audiences. Botti left Providence after the sold-out show to travel to New York for a flight to Poland.

Meanwhile, back at Vets, the Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Larry Rachleff, is preparing for the final two concerts of the season.

Cellist Alban Gerhardt will join the orchestra for an all-Russian evening on Saturday, April 14 at 8 p.m., featuring the works of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Shostakovich.

You can catch an open rehearsal on Friday, April 13 beginning at 5:30 p.m. for only $12 ($7 for students). If you are a classical music lover, a Philharmonic rehearsal is a joy to experience. If you have a child who plays a musical instrument, the rehearsal will be a great learning experience.

The season finale on May 5 is titled “A Spiritual Masterpiece,” and every concert this season has been just that.

Brahms’ “A German Requiem” and Gabrieli’s “Sacred Symphony” will be performed, along with the Providence Singers, soprano Elizabeth Weigle and Baritone Randall Scarlata. There will be another open rehearsal on May 4 at 5:30 p.m.

For tickets or more information, call 248-7000 or go online at www.riphil.org.

Every soloist who has joined the RI Philharmonic and Pops Orchestras this season has praised the orchestras and their directors. I humbly add my name to the praise.